Youth are the core of all aspects of GTC's work.
Youth participate in the GTC program throughout the four seasons, and are prominent in every aspect of growing food on our farm, running our farm store and pop-up markets, and assisting with GTC EAST! (our CSA/farm share program). Additionally, youth support initiatives and activities that involve food access and food justice work throughout the city. GTC youth have provided assistance to residents starting other community gardens in the Mason Square area, encouraging families to build self-sufficiency and better health. Youth are also engaged through field trips to farms, other non-profits, and community groups. This deepens their knowledge of agriculture, social change, and community service. GTC regularly hosts groups from around the region to expose youth and adults to the role that urban agriculture can play in community transformation. |
Youth help guide GTC's leadership.
In addition to program participation, GTC youth leaders serve on the Board and actively participate on Board committees, making recommendations about organizational decisions. GTC youth are taught public speaking skills and make presentations on behalf of GTC, most recently to the Springfield City Council, the Maple High Six Corners Neighborhood Council, and the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group among others.
In addition to program participation, GTC youth leaders serve on the Board and actively participate on Board committees, making recommendations about organizational decisions. GTC youth are taught public speaking skills and make presentations on behalf of GTC, most recently to the Springfield City Council, the Maple High Six Corners Neighborhood Council, and the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group among others.
Youth learn about all aspects of farming and how their work impacts food justice.
Our youth program supports core values of healthy eating and food justice. All youth participate in a curriculum that teaches all aspects of urban farming and discusses the impacts of racism on the food system. Continued involvement with GTC means youth move up our leadership ladder, encouraging them to help teach others as they learn. Our program helps youth build self-confidence in themselves and in each other, as well as develop their critical thinking, speaking and listening skills.
Our youth program supports core values of healthy eating and food justice. All youth participate in a curriculum that teaches all aspects of urban farming and discusses the impacts of racism on the food system. Continued involvement with GTC means youth move up our leadership ladder, encouraging them to help teach others as they learn. Our program helps youth build self-confidence in themselves and in each other, as well as develop their critical thinking, speaking and listening skills.
Are you a young person interested in joining GTC?
Come by the Walnut Street Farm Store for an application today!
Come by the Walnut Street Farm Store for an application today!